So Much Work But Its Worth It

Spicin' Up Saturdays with Joni

I love vacations. There is nothing greater than looking forward to a vacation and then it comes and it is so fun! My dad loves vacations and so our family was the benefactors of many wonderful vacations. Our two favorite spots were Lake Powell and Disneyland. When I think about these vacations, my heart swells with happiness. If I could choose to live one day over and over, it would be at one of these places. When we would go to Lake Powell, we always ate good food, did water sports most of the day, and spent a lot of time laughing and having fun! At Disneyland, we ran around trying to go on as many rides as possible and enjoyed yummy treats like frozen bananas. What a great childhood I had. Now that I am a mother, I realize that this was amazing that we did these vacations. We had eight kids so prior to our vacation, my mother had to pack eight kids up for a week, pack enough food for a small army, and leave the house in good order. I can't imagine how hard she had to work just to get us on the vacation! Then she had to feed and clothe and care for that many kids during the vacation. And after all that, she had to come home and do laundry and clean up from the vacation! That was a lot of work! (I am sure my dad had a lot to do also, but I can only see it from the woman's perspective.) My mom was often quoted, "You guys go on the vacation and I will stay home, read a book, and eat sandwiches and soup!" I now understand why. She was exhausted before the trip even began, but as a child I didn't know this. All I knew was vacations were awesome and they all went perfectly! Thanks Mom and Dad for making them so great.

Now I am the mother preparing for a vacation. Jaron and I decided that since we will have a baby this summer, Vienna will start school this fall, and we won't have such a care free life as having a 5 year and 3 year old, we decided to fit in a family vacation this month. I am so excited to go to one of my favorite places - Disneyland. All I can think about is how fun it is. But in reality, there is work to be done before we can go. Luckily I only have to pack for four, only bring food for four, and only leave an apartment in good order, but this is much to do. We leave this week and my to-do list is quite long. It doesn't help that I also have to register the van, get its oil change, and vacuum it out (who likes to start a vacation with a dirty vehicle? Not me!") The other challenge I am struggling with is eating Gluten Free while on vacation. I can eat Gluten Free without batting an eye at home, but what about when I don't have my kitchen? I am bringing a cooler or two full of food for me. Disneyland claims to be really good for people who are Gluten Intolerant, so hopefully I can eat there. I just don't want to spend this week sick with a sour stomach. So I hope that by Friday at 3pm, my house is clean, the laundry is done, the garbages are empty, the dishes are done, the toilets are flushed, the van is packed, the kids are buckled in the boosters, and we are on the road! Though I have a lot to do - Disneyland with my three favorite people is totally worth it!

Recipe of the week: Dessert - Muddy Buddies (Gluten Free)

This recipe is found on the back of Chex cereal boxes

Ingredients:

9 cups of Chex cereal (any kind)

1 cup chocolate chips (Kroger brand says Gluten Free)

1/2 cup Peanut Butter (Kroger Brand of Peanut Butter & Honey is Gluten Free)

1/4 cup butter

1 tsp Vanilla (Spice Islands Pure Vanilla Extract is Gluten Free - I have found it at Smith's or Maceys but could be in other stores)

1 1/2 cups powdered sugar

Instructions:

1. Put cereal in a large bowl, set aside.

2. In a microwavable bowl, add the chocolate chips, peanut butter and butter. Cook for 30 seconds and then stir. Repeat until mixture is stirred smooth. Don't cook longer without stirring or it will burn a hole in your bowl (trust me, I know). Once it is stirred smooth, add the vanilla.

3. Pour the chocolate mixture over the cereal and stir until evenly coated.

4. Add the powdered sugar a little at a time and stir until all of the cereal has been covered.

Enjoy - Easy and very yummy treat!